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14 Centre PRECISION PLA The Air Task Group is continuing to take the fight to Da aiding Iraqi Security Forces to liberate West Mosul, FLT A Avionics technician CPL Robert Graham walks past an F/A-18A Hornet on the flightline during his Operation Okra deployment. Photos: CPLs David Cotton and David Gibbs Two Hornets taxi back after a mission. MONG the multitude of international voices that can be heard on the combat aircraft radio net above Mosul, the Australian accent stands out for many reasons. Well regarded for their professionalism, dedication and long-term commitment to defeating Daesh, the Australian voices are a reminder that the RAAF’s Air Task Group is continuing to take the fight to Daesh in support of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), who are slowly but surely liberating West Mosul. The release of a precision-guided munition from an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft occurs in the blink of an eye, but the work done prior to achieve that moment involves long, com- plex and thorough preparation. Commander Air Task Group AIRCDRE Mike Kitcher said the process undertaken at the coalition’s Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) to conduct a strike involves many agencies and processes to deliver munitions where they will achieve their best effect. “Hours prior to jets arriving on-station in West Mosul, the CAOC team begin liaison with coalition strike cells and review intelligence reporting of the area, to identify potential target areas,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said. “Prior to the Hornets launching, ground liaison personnel from the Australian Army will brief the aircrew on the situation they can expect on the ground in West Mosul, includ- ing expected friendly positions and planned schemes of manoeuvre. After air-to-air refuelling our Hornets approach West Mosul and dynamic target requests will be made to the CAOC team. “These will come from the Iraqi Security Forces and coalition support personnel who are on the ground in or near to West Mosul. “They will request support when they are coming under enemy fire or if they identify Daesh targets that are impeding their advance.” ISF and supporting coalition personnel will use a combination of direct observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance resources to pinpoint enemy targets. This includes full-motion video feeds from remotely piloted aircr Mosul, to refine targets, ass and proportionality, ensure approval and minimise the before making a strike requ Australian Hornets carry ons, including low collatera referred to as LOCO by the maximum flexibility when targets while minimising th civilians and property. “Our weapons are very p Kitcher said. “We use a range of weap Mosul a lot of those have be because of the nature of the